Lewis Hamilton predicts he will be stronger than last year as he begins his title defence in the Australian Grand Prix this weekend.

The Mercedes driver took 11 victories on the way to his second title in 2014, and starts the year as favourite following a strong pre-season for the Brackley-based team.

Hamilton is aware that the competition will be tough, but he says he is feeling better prepared than ever.

"We had a great season last year as a team and, of course, we'd all love to repeat that," said Hamilton in a team preview. "But the others won't stop chasing us.

"I'm sure the competition will be close and we should get exciting racing with plenty of battling for position - which is great because that's what I love doing and that's what the fans love watching.

"There are many good drivers out there and all of them want to win. You just have to want it more than they do.

"I feel fresh, I feel fit, I feel relaxed, I feel positive... I feel ready. I think as a driver you get stronger with every season, so I plan to be better than last year."

Rosberg determined too

Teammate Nico Rosberg, who lost out to Hamilton in the final race of the season in 2014, admitted he is also fired up and determined to finish ahead this time out.

"I have focussed on pushing myself even harder for the rematch with Lewis," he said. "In the end, it comes down to who can put the best season together overall and I have to make sure it's the other way around this time.

"Having said that, my teammate is just one of many strong competitors who I have to beat if I want to be world champion, so I'm just focused on being the absolute best I can be.

"I now know the feeling of winning races and I intend to do a lot more of that - but I also know the feeling of not winning in the end and I don't intend to repeat that experience. It's a huge motivation for me and gives me even more determination for 2015."